I resume my pen after an interval of two years.
Within a few weeks after the events described in the last chapter Jessie and I were married. There were six bridesmaids, Josey and Florry West, and their four little sisters. On that day my mother gave uncle Bryan a Bible.
Josey is sole proprietor of the grocer's shop, and the business has wonderfully improved. She is really making and saving money. This of course is known, and has attracted the attention of more than one young man; I say more than one, for there is one in particular who seems to consider that if he were a grocer he would be in his proper groove. His chance, however, of getting into that groove does not appear to be a good one.
'I know what he's casting sheep's eyes at,' says Josey, tossing her head; I see him reckoning up the stock every time he comes into the shop.'
She does not openly discourage him; she makes him spend all his pocket-money in candied lemon-peel and uncle Bryan's medicines, which are having an immense sale.
'You are injuring that young man's constitution, Josey,' I say.
'All the better,' she replies; 'with his present constitution, he'll never suit Josey West.'
'Don't you ever intend to marry, Josey?'
'I haven't quite made up my mind, Chris; but if I don't die an old maid I shall be very much surprised.'
Turk is doing well, but I have lately discerned in him an itching to go on the stage again. He has purchased a splendid wardrobe that belonged to a famous First Villain, and he is reading a manuscript play by a new author with a character in it which he says would take all London by storm.